Flames tore through the Fat Monkey Express, a well-known store and shop on Carthage Road, on Tuesday. Firefighters responded to the two-alarm blaze just before 1 p.m.
According to authorities, the fire started in the back of the building, where the most damage occurred. Staff members were reportedly having lunch in the front of the store when the fire broke out. They were all able to make it out safely.
Authorities closed the intersection of Carthage Road and Beulah Hill Church Road for approximately four hours while fire crews worked at the scene.
The blaze completely destroyed the building and the cause is under investigation at this time.
A Moore County native who has spent more than 20 years telling stories across North Carolina and beyond. He’s worked with CNN, WRAL, and CBS 17, and now serves as a Video Journalist for ABC11. Patrick has a passion for breaking news and has earned multiple awards for his coverage. He’s also a certified NWS SKYWARN Storm Spotter and was among the first news videographers in the state to become an FAA-certified drone pilot.
